International ecological classification standard: Terrestrial Ecological Classifications Sagebrush Vegetation Classification for the Western United States: Plant Associations and Alliances
A.2552–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
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- CEGL001522– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
- CEGL001415– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
- CEGL001523– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Poa secunda Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
- CEGL001416– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
- A.2553– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola Shrub Herbaceous Alliance
- CEGL001519– Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation
A.2552–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrub Herbaceous AllianceAlkali Sagebrush Shrub Herbaceous Alliance Stakeholders: West Classif. Resp.: West ALLIANCE CONCEPT Summary: This shrub herbaceous alliance occurs in the Intermountain West, into the southern Rocky Mountains and in the western Great Plains. Perennial grasses are prominent with Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba dominating the open to moderately dense low-shrub layer. Stands occur on a variety of landforms, from flats and depressions to slopes and ridges. Soils are generally characterized by a heavy clay subsoil occurring within 25 cm of the soil surface, which restricts rooting depth. Soils are also alkaline and calcareous. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense herbaceous layer dominated by perennial graminoids. Dominant to common grass species include Danthonia parryi, Elymus lanceolatus, Festuca idahoensis, Festuca thurberi, Pascopyrum smithii, Poa secunda, and Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other perennial grasses that may be present include Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), and Koeleria macrantha. Forb cover is typically minor. Shrub associates include Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia tripartita, Artemisia nova, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Purshia tridentata. Diagnostic of this alliance is a moderate (>20% cover) perennial graminoid layer with an Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba-dominated low-shrub layer that has 10-40% cover. At least 40% of the total shrub cover is Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula. Classification Comments: Internal Comments: Similar Alliances: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1566) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrubland Alliance (A.2547) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis Shrubland Alliance (A.2548) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrubland Alliance (A.2549) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.2553) Similar Alliance Comments: This alliance is distinguished from vegetation in other Artemisia arbuscula alliances by the nominal subspecies of Artemisia arbuscula and by the importance of the perennial graminoid layer (>20% cover) in the shrub herbaceous alliances. The Artemisia arbuscula subspecies are distinguished by the nominal subspecies taxonomically and by different environments which they occupy. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrubland Alliance (A.2549) occurs in more alkaline and less stony settings than Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrubland Alliance (A.2547). Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.2553) occurs in more calcareous soils and has a restricted distribution. Beetle and Johnson (1982) report that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula grows in soils with a high volume of gravel (even though soil may be in clay textural class, or contain a clay-rich layer that impedes drainage), and that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba grows in clay soils, often alkaline, that contain no gravels. Related Concepts: SRM Cover Type #406 - Low Sagebrush (Shiflet 1994) B ALLIANCE DESCRIPTION Environment: This shrub herbaceous alliance occurs in the Intermountain West, into the southern Rocky Mountains and in the western Great Plains from 1600-3200 m (5500-10,600 feet). Stands occur on variety of landforms, from flats and depressions to slopes and ridges. Soils are generally characterized by a heavy clay subsoil occurring within 25 cm of the soil surface, which restricts rooting depth. Soils are also alkaline and calcareous. Beetle and Johnson (1982) report that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula grows in soils with a high volume of gravel (even though soil may be in clay textural class, or contain a clay-rich layer that impedes drainage), and that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba grows in clay soils, often alkaline, that contain no gravels. Vegetation: This shrub herbaceous alliance occurs in the Intermountain West, into the southern Rocky Mountains and in the western Great Plains. The vegetation is characterized by a moderate to dense herbaceous layer dominated by perennial graminoids (>20% cover) with Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba dominating the open to moderately dense (10-40% cover) low-shrub layer. Dominant to common grass species include Danthonia parryi, Elymus lanceolatus, Festuca idahoensis, Festuca thurberi, Pascopyrum smithii, Poa secunda, and Pseudoroegneria spicata. Other perennial grasses that may be present include Achnatherum hymenoides (= Oryzopsis hymenoides), Elymus elymoides, Hesperostipa comata (= Stipa comata), and Koeleria macrantha. Forb cover is typically minor. Shrub associates include Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis, Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana, Artemisia tripartita, Artemisia nova, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Gutierrezia sarothrae, and Purshia tridentata. Diagnostic of this alliance is a moderate (>20% cover) perennial graminoid layer with an Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba-dominated low-shrub layer that has 10-40% cover. At least 40% of the total shrub cover is Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula. Dynamics: Due to the low-shrub stature of Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba, this shrubland alliance is less susceptible to natural fire than taller Artemisia spp. shrublands. Grazing appears to have little effect on shrub densities, but tends to decrease the importance of tall bunch grasses and increase the cover of Arenaria congesta (Johnston 2001). Heavy livestock grazing may deplete the perennial graminoid layer and convert stands of this alliance into stands of Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrubland Alliance (A.2549). ALLIANCE DISTRIBUTION Range: Fairly widespread in the western United States, occurring from the Intermountain Region, into the southern Rocky Mountains and in the western Great Plains. Nations: US Subnations: CO, ID, MT, NV, OR, WY TNC Ecoregions: 6:C, 9:C, 10:C, 11:C USFS Ecoregions: 331H:??, 331I:??, 332E:??, 342B:CC, 342C:CC, 342D:CC, 342E:CC, 342F:CP, M331A:CC, M331D:CC, M332A:CC, M332D:CC, M332E:CC, M332F:CC, M332G:CC Federal Lands: ALLIANCE SOURCES References: Beetle and Johnson 1982, Blackburn et al. 1968b, Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Caicco and Wellner 1983h, Cooper et al. 1999, Driscoll et al. 1984, Hironaka et al. 1983, Jensen et al. 1988a, Jensen et al. 1992, Johnston 2001, Lewis 1975a, Mueggler and Stewart 1980, Schlatterer 1972, Shiflet 1994, Soil Conservation Service 1978, Terwilliger and Smith 1978, Tisdale et al. 1965, Zamora and Tueller 1973 CEGL001522–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous VegetationAlkali Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Classif. Resp.: West Classif. Level: Association Conf.: 1 - Strong Stakeholders: West Status: Standard Origin: 26-Nov-1997 Concept Auth.: S.K. Rust Concept Ref.: Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Ecological Systems: Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland (CES304.774) Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.080) ELEMENT CONCEPT Summary: This plant association occurs in scattered locations from southeastern Oregon to Montana, northern Nevada and probably Wyoming. The association occurs on gentle, lower-slope and basin positions at 1650-1890 m (5400-6200 feet) elevation. It is restricted to rocky, claypan soils. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba forms an open low-shrub canopy. Festuca idahoensis and Poa secunda are well-represented to abundant. Commonly associated forbs include Mertensia longiflora, Antennaria stenophylla, Ionactis alpina (= Aster scopulorum), Allium acuminatum, and Arabis holboellii. Classification Comments: Hironaka et al. (1983) and Zamora and Tueller (1973) describe the association from Idaho and Nevada. The association is well-documented as well on the Owyhee Plateau in southwestern Idaho. Similar Associations: Similar Association Comments: Related Concepts: Artemisia longiloba/Festuca idahoensis (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984) B ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Environment: Vegetation: Dynamics: Adjacent Associations: Adjacent Association Comments: Other Comments: Description Author: S.K. Rust Version: 26-Nov-1997 ELEMENT GLOBAL RANK & REASONS GRank: G3 GRank Review Date: 29-Jan-2001 GReasons: This moderately widespread association occurs with relatively few, widely distributed, small occurrences. The association occurs on gentle, lower-slope and basin positions and is restricted to claypan soils. Stands of the association are naturally protected to a limited degree at some sites due to the placement and abundance of cobbles and stones or their location on inaccessible mesa tops. The abundance of Festuca idahoensis and close proximity to seasonal water make these sites attractive to livestock. Though a proportion of the inventoried stands are in a high quality, representative condition, the number, size, and condition of occurrences rangewide are declining. The global rarity rank is changed from G3? to G3 after review of rangewide element occurrence condition and threats. Ranking Author: S.K. Rust Version: 29-Jan-2001 ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Range: This plant association occurs in scattered locations from southeastern Oregon to Montana, northern Nevada and probably Wyoming. Nations: US Subnations: ID:S1, MT:S2, NV:S3, OR:S2 TNC Ecoregions: 6:C, 11:C USFS Ecoregions: 342B:CC, 342C:CC, 342D:CC, M331A:CC, M331D:CC, M332A:CC, M332D:CC, M332E:CC, M332F:CC, M332G:CC Federal Lands: ELEMENT SOURCES References: Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Caicco and Wellner 1983h, Driscoll et al. 1984, Hironaka et al. 1983, Jensen et al. 1988a, Mueggler and Stewart 1980, Schlatterer 1972, Tisdale et al. 1965, Western Ecology Working Group n.d., Zamora and Tueller 1973 CEGL001415–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Pascopyrum smithii Shrub Herbaceous VegetationAlkali Sagebrush / Western Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Classif. Resp.: West Classif. Level: Association Conf.: 3 - Weak Stakeholders: West Status: Standard Origin: 26-Nov-1997 Concept Auth.: Concept Ref.: Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Ecological Systems: Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland (CES304.774) Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.080) ELEMENT CONCEPT Summary: Classification Comments: Similar Associations: Similar Association Comments: Related Concepts: Artemisia longiloba/Pascopyrum smithii (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.A.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984) B ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Environment: Vegetation: Dynamics: Adjacent Associations: Adjacent Association Comments: Other Comments: Description Author: Version: ELEMENT GLOBAL RANK & REASONS GRank: GU GRank Review Date: 23-Feb-1994 GReasons: Ranking Author: Version: ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Range: Nations: US Subnations: CO:SU, WY TNC Ecoregions: 10:C USFS Ecoregions: 342E:CC, 342F:CP Federal Lands: ELEMENT SOURCES References: Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Driscoll et al. 1984, Soil Conservation Service 1978, Western Ecology Working Group n.d. CEGL001523–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Poa secunda Shrub Herbaceous VegetationAlkali Sagebrush / Curly Bluegrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Classif. Resp.: West Classif. Level: Association Conf.: 3 - Weak Stakeholders: West Status: Standard Origin: 26-Nov-1997 Concept Auth.: Western Ecology Group Concept Ref.: Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Ecological Systems: Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland (CES304.774) Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.080) ELEMENT CONCEPT Summary: This low-shrub association is found between 1600 and 2600 m (5250-8530 feet) elevation in southwestern Idaho, north-central Colorado, and northeastern Nevada. It is located on gentle to moderate slopes, ridges, and basin bottoms of northerly and southeasterly aspects. Soils tend to be a heavy clay loam. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba dominates the shrub overstory. Traces to low coverage of Purshia tridentata, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, and Ericameria nauseosa may also be present. Elymus elymoides and Festuca idahoensis are consistently present with Poa secunda. Common forbs include Allium acuminatum, Eriogonum caespitosum, and Phlox hoodii. Classification Comments: Similar Associations: Similar Association Comments: Related Concepts: Artemisia longiloba / Poa secunda Habitat Type (Tiedemann et al. 1987) B Artemisia longiloba/Poa secunda (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = Artemisia longiloba Habitat Type (Zamora and Tueller 1973) B DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984) B ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Environment: Vegetation: Dynamics: Adjacent Associations: Adjacent Association Comments: Other Comments: Description Author: Western Ecology Group Version: 17-May-2004 ELEMENT GLOBAL RANK & REASONS GRank: G3Q GRank Review Date: 26-Feb-2004 GReasons: This low-shrub habitat is found in southwestern Idaho (Owyhee Plateau ), north-central Colorado (Middle Park), and northeastern Nevada (Elko County). However, the number of documented and predicted occurrences is low (less than 50). Stands are located predominately on northerly and southeasterly aspects of gentle to moderate slopes, ridges, and basin bottoms between 1600 and 2600 m (5250-8500 feet) elevation. Soils tend to be a heavy clay loam. Stands are increasingly threatened by the introduction of exotic species, intensive range management, ORV use, and the alteration of fire disturbance regimes. Ranking Author: J.J. Miller Version: 17-May-2004 ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Range: This low-shrub association is found on the Owyhee Plateau in southwestern Idaho, north-central Colorado (Middle Park), and northeastern Nevada (Elko County). It is also believed to be present to fairly common in the southwestern quarter of Wyoming. Nations: US Subnations: CO:SU, ID, NV:S3?, WY TNC Ecoregions: 6:C, 10:P, 11:P USFS Ecoregions: 342B:CC, 342C:CC Federal Lands: ELEMENT SOURCES References: Blackburn et al. 1968b, Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Driscoll et al. 1984, Tiedemann et al. 1987, Western Ecology Working Group n.d., Zamora and Tueller 1973 CEGL001416–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous VegetationAlkali Sagebrush / Bluebunch Wheatgrass Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Classif. Resp.: West Classif. Level: Association Conf.: 3 - Weak Stakeholders: West Status: Standard Origin: 26-Nov-1997 Concept Auth.: Concept Ref.: Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Ecological Systems: Great Basin Xeric Mixed Sagebrush Shrubland (CES304.774) Columbia Plateau Low Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.080) ELEMENT CONCEPT Summary: Classification Comments: Similar Associations: Similar Association Comments: Related Concepts: Artemisia longiloba/Pseudoroegneria spicata (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:IV.A.3.a. (Driscoll et al. 1984) B ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Environment: Vegetation: Dynamics: Adjacent Associations: Adjacent Association Comments: Other Comments: Description Author: Version: ELEMENT GLOBAL RANK & REASONS GRank: GNR GRank Review Date: 23-Feb-1994 GReasons: Ranking Author: Version: ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Range: Nations: US Subnations: CO:SU, WY? TNC Ecoregions: USFS Ecoregions: 342:? Federal Lands: ELEMENT SOURCES References: Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Driscoll et al. 1984, Terwilliger and Smith 1978, Western Ecology Working Group n.d. A.2553–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola Shrub Herbaceous AllianceThermopola Dwarf Sagebrush Shrub Herbaceous Alliance Stakeholders: West Classif. Resp.: West ALLIANCE CONCEPT Summary: This shrub herbaceous alliance is described for the mountainous regions of the southern portion of the Challis Volcanics ecoregional section in central Idaho. Stands are found on gently sloped ridgetops and benches at 1830 to 2690 m (6000-8800 feet) elevation. Soils are typically poorly drained or subject to a lengthy period of saturation during spring. Stand structure and composition have not been studied in detail. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola is the dominant shrub species and occurs with abundant cover of Festuca idahoensis. Poa secunda and Elymus elymoides are also usually present. Carex elynoides is important in high-elevation stands reported from one site. A variety of perennial forbs are usually present. These species are characteristic of rocky sites at moderate to high elevations in the mountains, including Erigeron compositus, Antennaria rosea, Phlox hoodii, Cymopterus nivalis (= Cymopterus bipinnatus), Eriogonum umbellatum, and Lewisia rediviva. Diagnostic of this alliance is a moderate (>20% cover) perennial graminoid layer with an Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola-dominated low-shrub layer that has 10-40% cover. Classification Comments: Internal Comments: Similar Alliances: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.1566) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrubland Alliance (A.2547) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis Shrubland Alliance (A.2548) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.2552) Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba Shrubland Alliance (A.2549) Similar Alliance Comments: This alliance is distinguished from vegetation in other Artemisia arbuscula alliances by the nominal subspecies of Artemisia arbuscula and by the importance of the perennial graminoid layer (>20% cover) in the shrub herbaceous alliances. The Artemisia arbuscula subspecies are distinguished by the nominal subspecies taxonomically and by different environments which they occupy. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longicaulis Shrubland Alliance (A.2548) occurs in more alkaline and less stony settings than Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula Shrubland Alliance (A.2547). Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola Shrub Herbaceous Alliance (A.2553) occurs in more calcareous soils and has a restricted distribution. Beetle and Johnson (1982) report that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula grows in soils with a high volume of gravel (even though soil may be in clay textural class, or contain a clay-rich layer that impedes drainage), and that Artemisia arbuscula ssp. longiloba grows in clay soils, often alkaline, that contain no gravels. Related Concepts: DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984) ? SRM Cover Type #406 - Low Sagebrush (Shiflet 1994) B ALLIANCE DESCRIPTION Environment: This alliance is found in a mountainous region, from 1830 to 2690 m (6000-8800 feet) elevation, generally on relatively flat benches and rocky ridgetops with slopes of 10-15% or less. One stand was found at 9800 feet. Parent materials are glacial outwash and dry alluvial terraces, derived from volcanic, sedimentary and granitic rocks. The association can also occur on glaciated ridges. Soils are typically poorly drained or subject to a lengthy period of saturation during spring, and typically have strongly developed clay horizons in the profile. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola is apparently restricted to relatively high-elevation sites, usually within forest openings. Vegetation: This is a poorly described alliance dominated by the perennial bunchgrass Festuca idahoensis with a low, evergreen shrub layer of Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola (cover information not available). Several other bunchgrass species are commonly present, including Poa secunda and Elymus elymoides. Higher elevation stands may have the perennial sedge Carex elynoides as an associated species. No other shrubs are described to occur in the shrub layer. A variety of perennial forbs are usually present, most of them characteristic of rocky sites at moderate to high elevations in the mountains. These include Erigeron compositus, Antennaria rosea, Phlox hoodii, Cymopterus nivalis (= Cymopterus bipinnatus), Eriogonum umbellatum, and Lewisia rediviva. Diagnostic of this alliance is a moderate (>20% cover) perennial graminoid layer with an Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola-dominated low-shrub layer that has 10-40% cover. Dynamics: ALLIANCE DISTRIBUTION Range: The alliance is expected to occur in the Pioneer, Boulder, Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains of central Idaho. The range of the alliance has not been determined precisely. Nations: US Subnations: ID TNC Ecoregions: 6:P, 8:C USFS Ecoregions: 342B:CC, M331A:CC, M332E:CC, M332F:CC Federal Lands: ALLIANCE SOURCES References: Beetle and Johnson 1982, Driscoll et al. 1984, Hironaka et al. 1983, Schlatterer 1972, Shiflet 1994 CEGL001519–Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola / Festuca idahoensis Shrub Herbaceous VegetationThermopola Dwarf Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation Thermopola Dwarf Sagebrush / Idaho Fescue Classif. Resp.: West Classif. Level: Association Conf.: 1 - Strong Stakeholders: West Status: Standard Origin: 26-Nov-1997 Concept Auth.: M.S. Reid, mod. S.K. Rust Concept Ref.: Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Ecological Systems: Inter-Mountain Basins Montane Sagebrush Steppe (CES304.785) ELEMENT CONCEPT Summary: This plant association is described for the mountainous regions of the southern portion of the Challis Volcanics ecoregional section in central Idaho. The association is found on gently sloped ridgetops and benches at 6000-8800 (9800) feet elevation. Soils are typically poorly drained or subject to a lengthy period of saturation during spring. Stand structure and composition has not been studied in detail. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola is the dominant shrub species and occurs with abundant cover of Festuca idahoensis. Poa secunda and Elymus elymoides are also usually present. Carex elynoides is important in high elevation stands reported from one site. A variety of perennial forbs are usually present. These species are characteristic of rocky sites at moderate to high elevations in the mountains, including Erigeron compositus, Antennaria rosea, Phlox hoodii, Cymopterus nivalis (= Cymopterus bipinnatus), Eriogonum umbellatum, and Lewisia rediviva. Classification Comments: Similar Associations: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. arbuscula / Pseudoroegneria spicata Shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001412) Similar Association Comments: Related Concepts: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola/Festuca idahoensis (Bourgeron and Engelking 1994) = DRISCOLL FORMATION CODE:V.B.2.f. (Driscoll et al. 1984) B ELEMENT DESCRIPTION Environment: This association is found in a mountainous region, from 6000-8800 feet elevation, generally on relatively flat benches and rocky ridgetops with slopes of 10-15% or less. One stand was found at 9800 feet. Parent materials are glacial outwash and dry alluvial terraces, derived from volcanic, sedimentary and granitic rocks. The association can also occur on glaciated ridges. Soils are typically poorly drained or subject to a lengthy period of saturation during spring, and typically have strongly developed clay horizons in the profile. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola is apparently restricted to relatively high-elevation sites, usually within forest openings. Vegetation: This is a poorly described grassland association, dominated by the perennial bunchgrass Festuca idahoensis (average cover not available). Several other bunchgrass species are commonly present, including Poa secunda and Elymus elymoides. Higher elevation stands may have the perennial sedge Carex elynoides as an associated species. There is a dwarf-shrub layer present (cover unavailable) of the dwarf evergreen Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola. No other shrubs are described to occur. A variety of perennial forbs are usually present, most of them characteristic of rocky sites at moderate to high elevations in the mountains. These include Erigeron compositus, Antennaria rosea, Phlox hoodii, Cymopterus nivalis (= Cymopterus bipinnatus), Eriogonum umbellatum, and Lewisia rediviva. High-ranked species: Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola (G5T3Q) Dynamics: Adjacent Associations: Adjacent Association Comments: Other Comments: This is similar to Artemisia arbuscula / Pseudoroegneria spicata Dwarf-shrub Herbaceous Vegetation (CEGL001412) but has a floristic component of species occurring at higher elevations. Very little is known of the ecology of Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola. Due to relative ease of access, many stands of this association have been severely disturbed. Description Author: M.S. Reid, mod. S.K. Rust Version: 25-Aug-1993 ELEMENT GLOBAL RANK & REASONS GRank: G2 GRank Review Date: 30-Nov-1998 GReasons: The association is reported from a limited distribution within the mountains of central Idaho. The association occurs within relatively specific physical environmental conditions, occurring from 6000 to 8800 feet elevation, on gentle (10 to 15 percent slope) alluvial benches and glaciated ridgetops. Soils are poorly drained or subject to a lengthy period of saturation during spring, and typically have strongly developed clay horizons in the profile. Artemisia arbuscula ssp. thermopola is apparently restricted to relatively high-elevation sites, usually within forest openings. The number and ecological condition of occurrences have not been determined through recent appropriate surveys. Due to relative ease of access, many stands of this association have been severely disturbed, and the extent of the association has declined moderately due to mining and road construction activities. Ranking Author: S.K. Rust Version: 20-Nov-1998 ELEMENT DISTRIBUTION Range: The association is expected to occur in the Pioneer, Boulder, Sawtooth and White Cloud mountains of central Idaho. The range of the association has not been determined precisely. Nations: US Subnations: ID:S2 TNC Ecoregions: 6:? USFS Ecoregions: 342B:CC, M331A:CC, M332E:CC, M332F:CC Federal Lands: ELEMENT SOURCES References: Bourgeron and Engelking 1994, Driscoll et al. 1984, Hironaka et al. 1983, Schlatterer 1972, Western Ecology Working Group n.d. Directory: Docs Docs -> Application for acem Docs -> Observational Assessment of Teaching Practices Teaching Assessment Initiative Proposal Submitted to The Teachers for a New Era project Docs -> Traditional British values Docs -> From Warfighters to Crimefighters: The Origins of Domestic Police Militarization Docs -> Borzoi Club of America Register of Merit Program I. What is a Register Of Merit Docs -> Protecting the rights of the child in the context of migration Docs -> United Nations E/C. 12/Esp/5 Docs -> 9th May 1950 the schuman declaration Docs -> Getting To Outcomes® in Services for Homeless Veterans 10 Steps for Achieving Accountability Download 1.98 Mb. Share with your friends:
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